URBNMRKT, a grab n’ go deli and future bar, occupies the former loading dock of a four-story building that now houses USC’s administrative offices. Fronting Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles and occupying three truck bays and 7,000 sf, this new urban-chic hangout has its roots deeply grounded in its industrial/operational history while its furnishings and interior design maintain a home-grown, modern vibe. Exposed stainless steel clad walls and fixtures, doors and the bar are juxtaposed by warm bamboo strand board wall panels. Custom-designed leather lounge chairs and ottomans are paired with off-the-shelf tables and bar stools with hand-painted legs. Simple glowing bulbs in custom steel armatures hang from the 18-foot ceiling, which was painted white to mask the old ducts, conduit and pipes.

The kitchen features a custom light installation as its primary source of light spelling out “URBNMRKT” with stick fluorescent fixtures on the ceiling. The graphics throughout the space are hand spray painted stencils, further authenticating the urban industrial look and feel. In the rear of the space a continuous angled mirror reflects the huge graphic along the storefront, correcting the reverse read for the patrons inside the space. Beneath the mirror, three dock levelers were maintained and repurposed as leather booths, featuring the original dock leveler number stenciled on diamond plate hanging over each one.

The main attraction of the space is the 14 x 18 foot feature wall with a custom printed photograph by artist Leo Gullick entitled ‘Powerplant Series #4”. The large colorful abstract photograph was taken as a decommissioned power plant was being demolished. The industrial shapes and brilliant colors complete this big box space.

With the original roll-down doors in place acting as security shutters at night, the new storefront wall is recessed, forming alcoves into which German biergarten tables are nestled amidst potted plants along the street.

This establishment not only continues USC’s drive to provide excellent amenities and first-rate dining options for its students and faculty but showcases the possibility of bringing in patrons from the surrounding neighborhoods. This new model of authentic, non-corporate, home-grown design along with first-rate food and beverage offerings is a success for the students, university and local community alike.

Before

After

Floorplan

Comfortable lounge seating creates a perfect spot for hanging out or studying.

Espresso Bar

Details

MATERIALS + FINISHESOur designers maintained crucial existing elements such as

the raw concrete floors, exposed ductwork and diamond plate

dock levelers. New elements were chosen to be evocative of

the space’s industrial roots, such as stainless steel walls and

fixtures, bamboo strand board, Edison bulbs, stick fluorescents,

and hand-stenciled signage.

u n i v e r s i t y o f s o u t h e r n c a l i f o r n i a

URBNMRKT

University of Southern California

7,000 SF

2009

Los Angeles, CA

• Adaptivere-useofaformerloadingdockforUSC’sadministrative office building.

• Thespace’srawindustrialrootswerepreservedbykeepingtheoriginal ductwork and pipes exposed and cement floors and diamond plate dock levelers intact.

• Ourdesignerscontinuedtheurban-chicvibethroughoutthespace, featuring stainless steel walls and fixtures, bamboo strand board, Edison bulbs, stick fluorescents, hand-stenciled signage and a 14x18 foot abstract photograph of a decommissioned power plant.

• Amixofcustom-designedandoff-the-shelffurnitureismodernand edgy yet budget-conscious.

• Theoriginalroll-downdoorsremainandactassecurityshutters at night.

• Outside,thenewstorefrontwallisrecessed,formingalcovesinto which German biergarten tables are nestled.

Client

Size

Completion

Location

Key Points

Awards AIA/Los Angeles Restaurant Design Awards People’s Choice Award Finalist, 2010